Planning committee: consultant report, SmartGov issues and new permit coordinator coming in late September

The Anacortes planning committee reported a forthcoming consultant report on the city’s development-review process and discussed ongoing SmartGov software challenges and customer service changes to the planning counter.

Council member Moulton reported that the planning committee met and reviewed a development-review process report prepared by the city’s consultant team and said that “it will be presented to council and the public soon.” She said the consultant’s work included interviews with permit applicants, a code and process review and best-practice recommendations for staff to refine and implement.

Committee discussion also covered SmartGov, the city’s permitting software, and the problems it has caused users and staff. Staff told the committee a new permit coordinator is expected to begin in late September, and the planning counter will return to Monday–Friday service in October once the coordinator is trained. The committee and staff also discussed the possibility of a scheduled appointment system at the counter to reduce walk-in uncertainty.

When asked for a timetable, council member Anthony Young requested a ballpark date; the committee reporter said the consultant draft would be brought to council within about a month.

Speakers in the planning update included Council member Moulton and planning staff identified in the meeting as planning manager Libby Grange and planning director John Coleman. No formal action was taken; staff will present the consultant report to council and the public in a forthcoming meeting and implement operational counter changes as staffing allows.